Forest Grove School Board to mull workshops Monday

Modifications to current policy are possible

A possible compromise between staff members who say remedial workshops at Forest Grove High School are boosting learning and parents who'd like the entry standards relaxed could get some legs at Monday night's school board meeting.

Human resources director Dave Willard said last week that a Nov. 8 meeting between FGHS staff members and parents interested in opening up a conversation about who is and isn't enrolled in workshops produced some 'good dialogue' that could help board members form future policy in that area. At the crux of the discussion is whether Forest Grove should continue its insistence that students be placed in reading and math workshops even when they meet - and in some cases exceed - passing scores on standardized tests.

Parents also would like to see the district look at work samples in addition to the Oregon Assessment of Knowledge and Skills before deciding to put students in workshops.

'We went over some data, and the bottom line is, there are kids [workshops] work great for, and some for whom it doesn't,' Willard said.

The agenda also includes a budget update from business manager Mike Schofield. And, the board will discuss a process and timeline for selecting two new members to replace Terry Howell and Anna Tavera-Weller, who were recalled in the Nov. 1 election.

Monday's work session starts at 5:30 p.m. at the district administration office, 1728 Main St. The regular meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.